Alcohol Related Pancreatitis

[Guest guest]

Cindy,

I wanted to add another component to the alcohol related pancreatitis

theory. This has confused researchers for decades as to why some heavy

drinkers do not develop pancreatitis and why some who do not drink

very much do, in fact, develop pancreatitis.

Currently the status of thought on this is that because fewer than 10%

of people with alcoholism develop the disease, other factor(s) must

place these individuals at risk. Recently, an N34S mutation in the

gene encoding the serine protease inhibitor, Kazal type 1, was

identified in patients with chronic pancreatitis. This premise is

being worked up similar to the mutation that occurs in CF.

Half of genetic terminology is too difficult to understand or explain,

at least for me, so this information is simply 'food for thought' on

an endlessly and seemingly confusing disease.

Karyn RN

Executive Director, PAI

[Guest guest]

Karyn wrote:

> Half of genetic terminology is too difficult to understand or

explain, at least for me, so this information is simply 'food for

thought' on an endlessly and seemingly confusing disease. <

" Even though I don't understand it, it makes sense to me..... " :-)

With love, hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

hhessgriffeth@...

www.pancassociation.org/anthology#Heidi.html

SC State & SE Regional Representative

Pancreatitis Association, International

Note: All comments or advice are based on personal experience or

opinion only, and should not be substituted for professional medical

consultation.